Table Of Contents
What Is A Building Inspection?
A building inspection is an assessment of the physical condition of a building, whether residential, commercial, or industrial. The time it takes for a building inspection varies depending on the type of property and how much information the inspector needs.
What Comprises A Building Inspection?
There are a variety of issues and property features that a qualified building inspector can cover. They include:
- Structure
- Foundations
- Floors
- Electrical connections
- Ventilation and drainage
- Plumbing
- Any moisture issues
- Retaining walls
- Ceilings and walls
- Fencing
- Advice about maintenance
- Guttering
- Eaves
- Hot water services
- Heating and cooling
The Purpose Of A Building Inspection
Building inspections are very vital as they give you a clear picture of the state of the property you wish to purchase. This will prohibit you from getting nasty surprises when you are buying your ‘dream home’.
Looks could be deceiving. A property might look marvelous from the outside, but what lies underneath is what is essential. On open inspections, there are some areas which you will not be able to see. A building inspection will give you a clear picture of those areas.
So before purchasing a house, ensure that you obtain a complete building inspection of the property.
Thermal Imaging
Thermal imaging is a type of inspection that entails the use of automation and tools that sense radioactivity. This should be one of the things a building inspector offers. It analyses the temperature of the surface of something discharging radioactivity.
It then transforms it into a photographic representation displaying temperature differences. Thermal imaging is a non-intrusive way of examining the problems inside the building structure that may not be seen by plain sight such as dampness escalating or termites infesting.
Duration Of A Building Inspection
The length of time that a building inspection takes is dependent on the complexity of the property. Moreover, it will depend on whether you are dealing with a standard house or more complicated elements such as an apartment block. Due to this complexity of buildings, there is no set length of time for how long a building inspection takes in Australia.
The construction industry has been gradually growing in the Australian economy. With this growth came a need for more professional building inspectors to check on the quality of construction and that all safety and health requirements are taken care of. Building inspections are usually done before a new property is purchased.
Another factor that will affect the time taken for an inspection to occur is the presence of mould or asbestos.
Factors Affecting The Building Inspection Duration
Property Size
If the property is overly large, it will take longer to inspect. A professional building inspector will inspect every reachable section of the property. This includes the external areas, the spaces between the roof, and then under the floor area. So property size determines the time it will take to inspect the property.
Fixtures and Fittings
This is one of the largest time consumers when it comes to building inspections. If the property has furniture still inside, the inspector must move some fittings around to access all areas. This takes time, and if the fixtures and fittings are heavy, more time will be needed to move and then put them back.
Level of Security
Suppose your property has a level of security that requires rigorous security measures. In that case, it will take time because the inspector is required to check if the doors and windows are in working order, together with their keys, and if the property has different and complex locking devices, it will take even longer.
Property Owner Absent During the Inspection
The only way to save time and streamline the inspection process is by having either the property owner or property manager present during the inspection. The owner or manager will be able to take care of things such as deactivating alarms or seeking clearance to inspect closets.
Additional Factors
Since properties are not the same, other factors will determine the duration of the inspection. Things like parking lots, barns, and garden houses should be included in the inspection. This inspection also includes laundry areas or bathroom places that are detached.
Rain-water pipes, ladders, fences, pathways, and driveways are additional possible features that need to be assessed. Other obstacles can make the inspection time-consuming, for instance, snooping kids or pets. Try to make alternative arrangements for your domesticated animals and children on the inspection day.
Terminologies Used In Building Inspections
Property Inspection
A property inspection is a vital step in the property buying process, and it is necessary for all types of homeowners. Property inspections will help you to:
- Identify any defects, faults, or potential safety risks that may exist in the building and its surroundings.
- Determine the condition of the building.
- Find out if the building complies with relevant standards and regulations.
- Find out if any conditions affect your rights as a homebuyer.
- Negotiate repair or compensation for damage with sellers or builders.
Pre-Purchase Building Inspection
A pre-purchase inspection typically occurs before you buy a property. The inspection is an overall visual appraisal of the condition of a property identifying existing issues. These issues can range from minor areas of concern to structural problems. However, it is not a warranty against future issues.
We have all heard stories of dishonest sellers trying to hide flaws such as cracks to forging building approval papers. However, if buyers do a pre-purchase building inspection, it acts as proof.
Termite Inspection
A termite inspection is a good idea when purchasing a property from Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne, or Perth, as these areas have been known for their high population of termites. The most common termite inspections are usually done by pest inspectors who have been licensed by authorities and certified by pest management professionals.
The termite inspection process is not hard, but depending on the company you choose to work with, it might take a bit of time. You need first to book an appointment with a certified specialist. The specialist will need to have access to your home, car park, and any other buildings you might want to be checked. Some companies may require some preparation before they come to your house. Ensure you remove any items that might be in places where the inspection will take place. This is vital as it does not limit access to any openings where termites might hide.
The inspector will be able to describe to you any signs of termite movement or invasion. After the inspection, the technician should give you a breakdown of all they have seen and how to get rid of the termites that might destroy wood. They can also provide a cost estimation of removing them if you want. This whole procedure can take up to 45 minutes.
Key Points To Remember
- To protect you and your property, building inspectors will regularly conduct inspections to identify any potential risks.
- Building Inspections in Australia are not mandatory before selling or leasing out your property, but you must know the implications of not getting one done.
- A good investigation will tell you about the current condition of the building and give you a conclusive idea about what to expect in the future.
Why Contact A Professional?
Purchasing a house is seen as one of the biggest financial deals that one will do in their life. Due diligence has to be done before any money exchanges hands, and a building inspection report is the most significant thing a buyer will ask for.
Please do not rely on open home visits as they rarely go into detail about every corner of the house, from under the floor to between roof spaces. Therefore, by hiring a professional building inspector, a buyer will invest with confidence.
